Government details support for Northern Ireland veterans

In response to written parliamentary questions from Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, the Ministry of Defence has outlined its efforts to improve support for veterans in Northern Ireland.

Francois raised concerns about challenges faced by veterans in accessing services and asked about the independence and trustworthiness of the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA).

Government commitment to coordination and support

Francois asked the Secretary of State for Defence “what assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to help tackle challenges faced by veterans in Northern Ireland in accessing support services.”

Defence Minister Al Carns responded, stating, “The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively.”

Carns also welcomed David Johnstone to his new position as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner, saying, “David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support.”

Tailoring support through the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant remains a cornerstone of the government’s efforts, with Carns noting that its delivery is “shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions.” He added, “We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Carns highlighted engagement with stakeholders, stating, “Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches.”

Specific programmes and funding

The Thrive Together programme, supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, plays a key role in Northern Ireland. Carns explained that this initiative is “led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support.”

On veteran homelessness, Carns highlighted the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which recently received an additional £3.5 million in funding. He noted that “Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

The role of the Veterans Welfare Service

The VWS, which merged with Defence Business Services in 2023, remains a “trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland,” according to Carns. He pointed out that the service “retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support.”

Health and employment support initiatives

A £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot in Northern Ireland is helping veterans address health issues such as PTSD, musculoskeletal problems, and bereavement. Carns stated that the programme is “providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.”

Employment support for veterans is also available through the Ministry of Defence’s Career Transition Partnership and a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme. Carns noted that these initiatives provide “access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service.”

Local collaboration and future steps

In response to Francois’s question about ensuring trust in the VWS and OVA, Carns emphasised the importance of collaboration. He highlighted the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee and the Veterans’ Champion Committee, which bring together local authorities and organisations to coordinate efforts. “There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities,” Carns noted.

The government’s approach in Northern Ireland continues to adapt, with Carns pointing out that “the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve.”